Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing guitar picks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a credit card shaped housing apparatus that holds and dispenses about 1-5 guitar picks. The credit card guitar pick apparatus is able to be stored in a wallet providing a convenient, quickly available, organized supply of guitar picks to a musician.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing guitar picks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a credit card shaped housing apparatus that holds and dispenses about 1-5 guitar picks. The credit card guitar pick apparatus is able to be stored in a wallet providing a convenient, quickly available, organized supply of guitar picks to a musician.

Abstract: A method of operating a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is provided including the steps of: A) determining whether the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is receiving power from an external power source; B) disabling the operation of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and executing a thermal program if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is receiving power from the external power source, wherein the thermal program includes charging a high voltage battery and monitoring the state of charge of the high voltage battery; C) determining if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle continues to receive power from the external power source; and D) enabling operation of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is no longer receiving power from the external power source.

Abstract: A method of operating a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is provided including the steps of: A) determining whether the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is receiving power from an external power source; B) disabling the operation of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and executing a thermal program if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is receiving power from the external power source, wherein the thermal program includes charging a high voltage battery and monitoring the state of charge of the high voltage battery; C) determining if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle continues to receive power from the external power source; and D) enabling operation of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle if the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is no longer receiving power from the external power source.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine with an engine output member and a transmission with two motor/generators and a transmission input member operatively connected to the engine output member. A control unit is configured to selectively cause a device to resist or prevent rotation of the input member in response to the existence of certain conditions, such as the engine not supplying torque to the transmission and the transmission being in reverse operating mode. Resisting or preventing rotation of the input member improves transmission performance when only the motor/generators are supplying torque to propel the vehicle. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A flashlight in a housing of given size dimension to fit within and under a shoulder epaulet on an article of clothing worn as part of a uniform by a person engaged in law enforcement or emergency medical service activity, for example, with a fastener at a top surface of the housing in the nature of a clip or otherwise, so as to secure to the shoulder epaulet in providing hands-free operation, and preferably generating its light beam through a rotatable front end of the flashlight which both adjusts the angle of the beam, and which acts as the on-off switch for the flashlight. In a second embodiment of the invention, a flashing light beam could also be provided to illuminate through a back end of the flashlight, in giving a stroboscopic type of warning light to oncoming vehicular traffic to reduce speed in nearing the scene being approached.

Abstract: A catalytic converter having a catalytic core element comprising a rigid, foam-like, metallic material having interconnecting walls defining an open pattern of interconnected pores which join together to form irregular passages extending through the catalytic core element. The catalytic core element may be configured for placement within the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine or within a separate housing. The catalytic core element may be configured such that exhaust flow through the catalytic core element may be radial through the lateral portion of the catalytic core element and axial through the end of the catalytic core element.

Abstract: An engine traction control system generates a control cycle of a varying duty cycle which controls the pressure level in a pneumatic actuator in the engine power control linkage to thereby reduce engine power when the driven wheels begin slipping during the vehicle acceleration. The duty cycle is set as a function of wheel speed error between the average wheel speeds of the driven and non-driven wheels, and also as a function of the change in the error between calculation cycles.

Abstract: A control for an electropneumatic braking system applies a step function to a electronically operated proportional modulator to improve transient response. The current is controlled by a treadle operated signal generator operated by the vehicle operator and by actual feedback braking pressure as generated by a pressure sensor which senses braking pressure. The system includes a master controller which receives and processes information from the operator operated treadle operated signal generator and transmits desired pressure signals to wheel controllers which independently control each wheel of the vehicle.